We debated about this for too long. We ended up using a B&M Quick Silver shifter. Has a ball on top rather than a 'T' handle or pistol grip. The idea being that it's much easier to hit the ball than the other options. It works very well and we beat on it hard. It seems to work best when not trying to be easy on it. The other style handles gave me the idea that you're driving with your hand on the shifter, but I prefer to have both hands on the wheel, especially when running hard over 40 mph.
I can't say how it will fit in your console (we have a 60/40 split seat.) Either way, the ratchet style shifters are the only way to go when launching hard.